Mean weighted nuclear volumes in colonic adenocarcinomas - Evaluation of prognostic significance

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of stereologically estimated mean weighted nuclear volumes of tumor cell nuclei (MWNV) with other prognostic factors and survival in colonic adenocarcinomas. STUDY DESIGN: The study group consisted of 42 patients with colonic adenoca rcinomas who were treated by a standardized protocol and had a mean follow- up of 89 months. The point sample intercepts method was used to estimate MW NV. In addition, immunohistochemical expression of p53 and Ki-67 was evalua ted semiquantitatively. RESULTS: The calculated nuclear volumes correlated significantly with histo logic grading and with the extent of tumor progression (organ confined/nono rgan confined). There was no correlation with p53 expression or proliferati ve activity determined by MIB-1 positivity. No correlation could be demonst rated with sex, age or clinical outcome of the patients. CONCLUSION: Assessment of MWNV in colonic adenocarcinomas does not provide additional information concerning the clinical course.